6 months post op - can my asymmetrical bump be swelling? (photos)

Question

I got a septoplasty, nasal valve repair and rhinoplasty back in August of 2023. In two weeks it will be 6 mo post op. One side has healed great, while the other side is showing slight asymmetry. Before the surgery, I had a deviated septum and a fractured nose that caused a dorsal hump. My surgeon said he did slightly more work on the side that currently has a bump. So could this be swelling or will this bump never go away? I’m going for my 6 mo PO follow up in a few weeks. My skin type is thin

David M. Kowalczyk, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

Hi there. If the bump is more like swelling, it may resolve with taping and / or steroids. If the area is firm, it's likely bone and will need to be revised. At 6 months, changes can still occur. Thin skin can be quite unforgiving. At your follow-up, ask specifically about what your surgeon thinks it is and the plan. Hope you find answers soon.

Gianfranco Frojo, MD · Answer

I am not sure what exactly is going on with the nose based on these photos alone. I think that there is some dorsum irregularities that are quite visible on the front view. I would recommend seeing your surgeon again for further discussion. If that is not possible (or you do not want to do that), I would recommend a seeing a rhinoplasty specialist. In particular, I would recommend seeing a surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Ideally, this surgeon would have also completed a 6 year integrated plastic surgery residency program and a 1 year aesthetic fellowship accredited by The Aesthetic Society.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

Your photos are a bit difficult to evaluate since you are wearing a cap. If you have firm widening along the left side wall of your nose, this could be from a spreader graft that is a drop too large. Since you're only 6 months postoperative, it's prudent to wait 3 to 6 months to see how things completely heal. If you're spreader graft needs to be made smaller, This is a relatively straightforward approach, depending on your examination

Selcuk Inanli, MD · Answer

Hello! Thank you for your question.
As far as I can understand from your question It would be more accurate to consult with your surgeon, but the swelling remaining after 6 months is permanent, I recommend a revision operation for your this.
Best regards!

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

It is hard to know what that bump could be. Possibly a cartilage graft. If it doesn’t go away at a years time it would require a revision

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

It is unlikely that the bump is swelling at this time. You will more than likely need a revision. Approximately 15% of rhinoplasties do require a revision. This may be able to be filed down or some cartilage may need to be removed.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

6 months post op - can my asymmetrical bump be swelling? (photos)

Answers (8)